Yes, men can get breast cancer, though it is much rarer than in women

Breast cancer in men is uncommon but real. Men have breast tissue just as women do — it is smaller and less developed, but it is there. Cancer can form in that tissue. About 1 in 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States happens in a man, which means roughly 2,800 men are diagnosed each year. The disease behaves differently in men than in women, and doctors often catch it later because men and their doctors do not always think to look for it.

The main reason men get breast cancer less often is simply anatomy. Men have less breast tissue to begin with. But the tissue they have can still develop cancer cells. Risk factors include age (it is more common after 50), family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (especially BRCA2), obesity, liver disease, and previous radiation to the chest. Some men have higher estrogen levels due to medical conditions or medications, which also raises risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Men account for about 1 in 100 breast cancer cases, but the disease is often found at a later stage because it is not expected in men.
  • A lump, dimpling, nipple discharge, or redness on the chest should be checked by a doctor, even though most lumps are not cancer.
  • Men with a family history of breast cancer, BRCA gene mutations, or certain medical conditions face higher risk.
  • Treatment for men is similar to treatment for women and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy depending on the type and stage.
  • Survival rates for men are similar to those for women when the cancer is caught at the same stage, but men are often diagnosed later.

How doctors identify breast cancer in men

A man usually notices a lump or other change and brings it to his doctor. The lump is often painless and firm, usually located behind or near the nipple. Other signs include nipple discharge (especially if it is bloody), skin dimpling or puckering, redness, or a sore that does not heal on the nipple or surrounding skin.

If a doctor suspects breast cancer, the next step is usually an ultrasound or mammogram — yes, men can have mammograms, though the machine is adjusted for male anatomy. A biopsy may follow, in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer is found, imaging tests like CT scans or bone scans help determine whether it has spread.

Types of breast cancer that occur in men

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type in men, accounting for about 90% of cases. It starts in the cells lining the milk ducts and spreads into surrounding tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma is much rarer in men because men have very little lobular tissue (the tissue that produces milk).

Some men develop ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is cancer confined to the ducts and has not yet invaded surrounding tissue. This is considered early-stage and has a better outlook. A small number of men develop inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's disease of the nipple, both of which are more aggressive and require prompt treatment.

Genetic risk and family history

Men who carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer. BRCA2 mutations carry a higher risk for men than BRCA1 mutations do. These genes are inherited — if your mother, father, sister, or brother had breast cancer, especially before age 50, or if anyone in your family carried a BRCA mutation, you may want to discuss genetic testing with your doctor.

Other inherited conditions that raise breast cancer risk in men include Klinefelter syndrome (a condition affecting sex chromosomes) and Lynch syndrome. A personal history of breast cancer in one breast raises the risk of cancer in the other breast. If multiple family members have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, genetic counseling can help you understand your own risk and whether testing makes sense for you.

Treatment options for men with breast cancer

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer. Surgery is often the first step — usually a mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue) rather than a lumpectomy, because men have so little breast tissue that removing just the tumor often means removing most of the breast anyway. Lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed to check for spread.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and is often given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body and may be given before surgery (to shrink the tumor) or after (to destroy any remaining cells). Hormone therapy blocks estrogen or progesterone, which can fuel certain breast cancers. Many men's breast cancers are hormone-receptor positive, meaning they respond to hormone therapy. This treatment may continue for years.

Targeted therapy targets specific mutations or proteins on cancer cells. For example, if the cancer has too much of a protein called HER2, drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) can target it. Your doctor will test the cancer cells to see which treatments are most likely to work.

Why breast cancer in men is often found late

Men are less likely to notice or report breast changes because they do not expect to get breast cancer. Doctors may also not think to check for it. This delay means men are often diagnosed at a later stage than women — when the cancer has already spread to lymph nodes or beyond. Stage at diagnosis is the single biggest factor affecting survival, so this delay can make a real difference in outcomes.

Men may also feel embarrassed discussing breast symptoms with a doctor, or they may assume a lump is not serious. Any persistent lump, discharge, or skin change on the chest should be evaluated, even if it seems unlikely to be cancer. Early detection, when the cancer is still confined to the breast, offers the best chance of successful treatment.

Survival and long-term outlook

When men with breast cancer are compared to women at the same stage of disease, survival rates are similar. The difference in overall survival between men and women is mainly because men tend to be diagnosed at later stages. A man diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer has roughly the same outlook as a woman diagnosed at stage 1.

After treatment, follow-up care includes regular doctor visits, imaging tests, and blood work to watch for recurrence. Many men take hormone therapy for 5 to 10 years or longer. Side effects can include hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction — these are manageable and worth discussing with your doctor. Support groups and counseling can help with the emotional side of a cancer diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should men do self-exams to check for breast cancer?

There is no strong evidence that routine self-exams reduce breast cancer deaths in men or women. However, knowing how your chest normally looks and feels is useful. If you notice a new lump, discharge, dimpling, or other change that lasts more than a few weeks, see your doctor. Most chest lumps in men are not cancer, but they should be checked.

If my father had breast cancer, will I definitely get it?

No. Having a family member with breast cancer raises your risk, but it does not mean you will develop it. Your risk depends on many factors, including whether a genetic mutation runs in your family, your age, and your overall health. Talk to your doctor about your family history so you can understand your personal risk level.

Can men take tamoxifen or other hormone therapy drugs?

Yes. Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (drugs that lower estrogen) are used to treat hormone-receptor positive breast cancer in men. Side effects can differ slightly from those in women, but the drugs work the same way. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you based on your cancer type and overall health.

Is breast cancer in men more aggressive than in women?

Breast cancer itself is not inherently more aggressive in men. However, men are often diagnosed at later stages, which means the cancer has had more time to grow and spread. At the same stage, a man's outlook is similar to a woman's. Early detection is key for both.

What should I do if I find a lump on my chest?

Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a surgeon. Describe when you first noticed it, whether it is painful, and whether anything else has changed. Your doctor will examine you and may order imaging or a biopsy. Most lumps are benign (not cancer), but the only way to know is to have it checked.